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posted on: Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Today's post has to be among my all-time favorites. One: because of the beautiful location in Palm Springs (how amazing are these tiled steps?!) and, two: this vibrant magenta maxi dress. I've written about the dress before, and it continues to be a repeat style in my wardrobe. If you like the dress as much as I do, be sure to check out all 15+ colors. (I also have the dress in the color 'Candy.') Plus, it's under $100! I paired the dress with gold jewelry by Julie Vos along with strappy heels. Here's to hoping sunshine is here to stay and I can hold on to my vacation tan juuust a little longer ;)

posted on: Monday, April 25, 2016

I'm back in Chicago after an incredible (!) trip, and am happy to see spring has sprung in the neighborhood. I joined friends for brunch yesterday in River North and opted for the long way home to enjoy a walk along the lake. With spring here, I'm eyeing these classic pieces for the new season — all under $100. Enjoy!

posted on: Friday, April 22, 2016

Happy Friday, friends! If you've been following along on Instagram, you'll know I've been in California these past two weeks. While it's fun to post (and enjoy!) moments by the pool or happy hour cocktails, a majority of our trip has been hiking along the beautiful coastline and in the desert. I'm continued to be amazed by the varied terrain and climates here, from Big Sur to Joshua Tree. This trip has been a good reminder how daily activity works wonders for me — physically and mentally. Because I'm sure many of you also strive to keep a healthy balance in the fitness realm, I wanted to share 5 things that make a difference for feeling the best version of myself.

1. Set small, achievable goals. Maybe it's working out 3 times a week, walking 10,000 steps a day, reaching the trail summit, or training for a race. Setting small (but achievable!) goals can help you stay committed and progressing in a fitness routine. I love seeking inspiration via Pinterest and setting fitness goals of my own, whether it's trying a new workout or running a half-marathon. And make yourself accountable! Sharing your goals with a friend or partner helps keep you supported in a positive direction.

2. Switch it up. I've always preferred fitness classes to running on a treadmill. I spent years growing up in dance and ballet, so I love any chance to incorporate those two activities into my fitness routine. I'm a fan of Classpass, which is a great way to try a variety of classes, like The Dailey Method, Pure Barre and more. It's always smart to switch up your fitness routine, so you (and your muscles!) don't get bored.

3. Make a playlist. Music is a huge motivator for me. I find I run a little faster and train a little longer whenever I have a solid playlist of music to listen to. I rely on Spotify to create and share my favorite workout playlists. Do you have a go-to playlist for motivating music? I'd love to hear!

4. Stay hydrated and eat right. It's difficult to be active without staying hydrated! I once read you should aim to drink as many ounces in a day as what you weigh. So if you weigh 130 pounds, you should drink 130 ounces. To keep hydrated throughout the day, I love my bkr water bottle, which comes in a variety of fun colors. While physical fitness is important, eating right is a big factor in overall health, too. I'm a fairly heathy eater, in general — but do indulge every so often. It's all a balance, right? Some of my favorite recipes to make at home are quinoa, brussels sprouts, Vietnamese spring rolls, and fresh fruit smoothies.

5. Wearable tech. Beyond the conventional "old school" ways to fitness, there are so many cool devices and apps to help achieve goals. A handful of my friends wear a FitBit to track daily steps and activity. Last month, I started using the Slendertone Connect Abs system, which is a toning belt worn for a 30 minute session (or more). I'll be the first to tell you I'm not into gimmicky products — but this one works! The intensity level and training program is easily integrated with my iPhone, which I love. Even after a few sessions, I can honestly say I feel the results by a slimmer, toned waistline. For anyone who is already mildly active, the belt is a great complement to achieve fitness goals. Slendertone can be found at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

posted on: Monday, April 18, 2016

A cute off the shoulder dress is a spring essential, if you ask me. I wore this dress yesterday in Los Angeles, which was beginning to bloom with the prettiest colors. The dress is under $100 — if you're interested in ordering, I'd recommend a size smaller than your usual. Today we're headed to Palm Springs... hello, sunshine! (Follow along for more snapshots here.) Have a great week ahead, everyone!

posted on: Friday, April 15, 2016

Wishing you a happy Friday! I'm writing this morning from Laguna Beach, where we camped last night along the coast. The entire Californian trip so far has been a whirlwind of fun — I can't wait to share more with you. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram or Facebook (and on Snapchat! laura-platt). I promise to be back to my regular posting schedule soon ;) Up next: Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Vegas!

posted on: Monday, April 4, 2016

A bit of exciting news to share... I'm headed to California! My boyfriend and I are road-tripping for the next 3 weeks, beginning in Napa Valley, then on to San Francisco, Big Sur, Monterrey, Pebble Beach, Santa Barbara, LA, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and finally: Vegas. We're both excited to take this time together and explore such a beautiful part of our country. I'd love for you to follow along on Instagram or Facebook, as I'll be sharing daily photos there. And if you're on Snapchat, I'll be capturing some of the adventures in real-time (find me at laura-platt). If you have any recommendations in any of these cities, I'd love to hear your favorites!

posted on: Friday, April 1, 2016

It's hard for me to believe, but this blog turns three (3!) this summer. When I first began blogging, I was slow to reveal this space... it's a bit terrifying putting yourself out there! Yet, over the past years, I've come to embrace sharing more of myself and taking on new adventures, both creatively and personally. One of the best aspects of blogging is pushing my own boundaries, along with building connections with others. I'm often asked questions about blogging and how to get started, and many times — in blogging and in other industries — it's about connections and how you build your network. While it's easy to send someone a quick email or connect via Instagram, there's something refreshing (and always professional) with exchanging business cards. I was thrilled to work with Minted to create these custom cards, which will surely come to use at upcoming events and meetings this season. It's an extra boost of confidence to make an introduction with a great business card, don't you think? If you're interested in creating your own cards, stationery and more, be sure to browse — and enjoy 15% off now though April 4. And lastly: thank you for stopping by and your continued kind words here! Have a great weekend!